Lesson 2 Rooks

Diagram 4

Rooks are considered the second strongest pieces on the board next to only the Queen. In fact, two Rooks can be more valuable than one Queen. The reason for the high value on this "building" like pieces is that they can touch any square on the board unless obstructed. A rook is worth 5 points when you count the value of pieces on the board or those captured. Look at Diagram 4. You can see the starting squares of the Rooks.

Now, how do they move? Take a look at Diagram 5. The arrows coming out of the Rook show that he moves up, down, and side ways. In other words, he travels in the direction of ranks and files. Rooks cannot jump over pieces or run them over. They can only take the square of a piece that they capture. They can only go up to and stop next to another piece of the same color, see Diagram 6. The White Rook can capture the Black Bishop or Pawn. Yet, it cannot move to h4 or d1 because there are White Men on those squares.

      Diagram 5                    Diagram 6      

Bishops

Bishops are considered to be a little more than half as strong as Rooks. Point wise, they are worth 3. So, two Bishops are better than one Rook. Two Bishops can cover all the squares on the board unless they are obstructed. And they cover more together than one Rook. Looking at Diagram 7, you can see the starting location of the Bishops.

How do these men move on the board to support their King? We are going to learn a new term. It is diagonal. Bishops follow the color of square that they are on. To follow the same color would be to go up the board on a diagonal. Take a look at Diagram 8. Do you see the arrows coming out of the Bishops? Those arrows show the path in which the Bishop may travel. Bishops cannot jump over pieces or run them over. They can only take the square of a piece that they capture. They can only go up to and stop next to another piece of the same color. See Diagram 9. Take notice of the Bishop on e4. He covers the b1-h7 diagonal and the a8-h1 diagonal. The d4 Bishop can capture the a7 pawn but cannot travel to g7 or g1 due to the same color of pieces camp on those squares.

           Diagram 7                 Diagram 8     

           Diagram 9